Ohio — Born with health challenges that required a triple organ transplant, Samantha was placed into foster care as an infant due to medical neglect. Her biological family was unable to care for her complex needs. And for the next 14 years, Samantha moved in and out of foster homes. Thankfully, ever
Texas — For more than three years, Isaiah, Jordan and Sophia lingered in foster care after enduring physical abuse and neglect as their biological parents struggled with substance use. The siblings bounced from house to house, often separated from one another. “When I was in foster care, I had a lot
Toronto, Canada — At just 2 months old, Rhianna was placed in foster care due to neglect. She spent 15 years of her life waiting for a permanent family, feeling terrified for the future. “I didn’t feel like anybody would want me,” shared Rhianna. “I never really celebrated my birthday because inste
During the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Andrea, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter with Raise the Future in Utah, as a Recruiter of the Year. Andrea is a passionate, diligent professional who has a special ability to connect with the childre
Michael has been a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® adoption professional at the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services since 2018. Among his peers, Michael is known for his positive attitude and unique ability to build lasting connections with the young people he serves. The Dave Thomas Found
New York — Merriah was placed in foster care when she was 6 years old after enduring abuse and neglect. For nine long years, she moved between multiple foster homes and her mother’s home. As the years went by, Merriah lost hope that she would ever have a permanent family. “I didn’t thin
Growing up in Nova Scotia, Karen remembers vividly the day she discovered what she wanted to do when she grew up. She was 13 years old when she went to Wendy’s® for chili and a Frosty® and read about the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada on the food tray liner. Karen with her 2021 Wendy
During the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Anna, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter from Orchard’s Children Services in Michigan, as a Recruiter of the Year. Anna is an advocate and a source of hope for the children she serves. Pictured:
Kentucky — For nearly two years, siblings Hailey, Jayden, Alexis and Jase lingered in foster care after experiencing abuse and neglect. They longed for a permanent place to call home where they could grow up together. That’s when Jayden bravely reached out to someone he trusted — his fifth-gra
From teaching their child how to ride a bike, to cheering them on in school activities, to sharing favorite hobbies, there is nothing like the heartwarming bond between a father and their child. Read some of the ways fatherhood has made an impact on the lives of Jamar, Brian, James and Geffrey, all
